Veteran New Zealand batter Kane Williamson recently came forward and heaped massive praise on Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill ahead of Gujarat Titans’ season opener in the IPL 2025. Williamson pointed out Shubman Gill’s ability to bode well under pressure and how that could be highly beneficial for the Indian team in the future.
Williamson went on to praise Shubman Gill’s cricketing brain and his leadership abilities as well. It is interesting to note that Shubman Gill was one of Gujarat Titans’ frontline retentions ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. The 2022 champions retained Shubman Gill’s services for Rs. 16.5 crores.
Shubman Gill’s experience as captain and his elevation to GT captainship since IPL 2024
Gujarat Titans (GT) right from its formative year 2022 is believed in structuring a core team under the able management led by the likes of Ashish Nehra & Gary Kirsten. This formation of team based on process and nurturing young talents to shape them for their future struck striking resemblance with the likes of most successful IPL teams Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) thus making them the most consistent team in the IPL history since 2021 where they won the title in the 1st year of their formation only to continue in the next one.
Shubman Gill’s elevation to captaincy could be a reward for his brilliant outing int the IPL last time out. He was the leading run-scorer in IPL 2023, scoring 890 runs in 17 matches at a strike rate of 157.80, including three tons and four half-centuries. He has big shoes to fill since Pandya led to franchise to two consecutive IPL finals, including a maiden title during their inaugural (2022) season.
Shubman Gill emerged as a key performer for the Gujarat Titans, after he was roped in by the team in the IPL 2022 auction. The batter has already scored 1373 runs at a strike rate of 147.79 in the last two seasons for the franchise. He had a dream season in IPL 2023 as he won the orange cap by scoring 890 runs in 16 matches.
On the back of his stellar performances, the management entrusted him for the leadership role. However, he has led the teams at domestic level only by captaining in Duleep and Deodhar trophies a few years back. He captained Punjab in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in the 2019-2020 season and successfully led India A during their tour to New Zealand in 2020.
Shubman Gill had a forgettable Indian Premier League (IPL) season in 2024. He was named the captain of Gujarat Titans (GT) for the first time, however, the team finished at the seventh position in the league. There was plenty of scrutiny related to his captaincy, but he had the backing of the franchise as they retained him as captain before the start of IPL 2025.
Meanwhile, Kane Williamson shared a different perspective about Gill. The former Titans player said Gill’s communication skills were quite clear, which is an important aspect of being a captain. Williamson reckoned that Gill has some “strong leadership qualities” and a “great cricketing brain”.
Kane Williamson heaps massive praise on Shubman Gill ahead of IPL 2025 campaign
New Zealand’s batting maestro Kane Williamson has heaped praise on Shubman Gill, calling him a natural leader with a sharp cricketing brain.
Having played under Gill’s captaincy at Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL 2024, Williamson witnessed firsthand the youngster’s clarity in communication, conviction in decision-making, and ability to inspire his teammates -qualities that, according to him, make Gill a strong contender for leadership role in Indian cricket.
Williamson, known for his calm and astute leadership, sees similarities in the way Gill operates. “He’s a very well-put-together human,” Williamson told ESPNCricinfo.
“He has a great cricketing brain and cares deeply about his teammates. He is very sure of how he wants to go about his business, which is a really strong leadership quality. That kind of confidence is infectious, so it’s no surprise that he’s being considered for leadership roles in India’s future,”
 Shubman Gill’s rise as a leader has been steady. Already India’s vice-captain in ODIs, he is seen as a key part of the leadership group that could take over in the coming years. His exposure to leadership under Rohit Sharma has further helped him understand the nuances of guiding a team.
“Every leader has a job to do with their skills, but you also need the best leader for the group,” Williamson explained.
“By bringing him into vice-captaincy roles, India is preparing him for the future. It’s a way to help him understand how leadership works under someone as experienced as Rohit Sharma, who has led successfully for so long.”
Apart from his tactical acumen, Gill’s dedication to fitness and training sets him apart.
“He looks after his body, spends time in the gym, and is conscious of his diet. If you want to play all formats at the highest level, that’s what it takes – and he’s more than willing to put in the effort,” Williamson said.
Gill’s batting, too, reflects his leadership qualities.
“The time he has at the crease is incredible,” Williamson observed.
“Whether the wicket is tricky or the bowlers are fast, he stays still, plays conventional shots but with immense power, and times the ball beautifully.”
Williamson did not shy away from expressing how big of a fan he is of Shubman Gill, as Gujarat Titans are set to lock horns with Punjab Kings in their first game of the tournament on 25th March at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
Also Read:Â IPL 2025: Gujarat Titans’ (GT) Shubman Gill Aim For Redemption